Large vans have been on the market for a relatively short time. The Mercedes Sprinter, which was a pioneer, was launched on the market in the mid-90s. But although the journey is not very long, the truth is that this type of industrial vehicle in general, and the Sprinter in particular, have managed to gain their place until they are, today, essential work tools in the automobile fleet.
Mercedes Sprinter was born in 1995; the second generation arrived in 2006 and it is at this time that we welcome the third. By the way, now it has nothing to do with the (in the previous generation they started from the same base developed by Mercedes), now both models are totally different. Therefore, this German van has behind it more than two decades of life, which leaves behind sales of 3.5 million units.
Undoubtedly, one of the most important commercial vehicles of the Daimler group. Of the 401,000 vans that the company sold in 2017, half were Sprinters, which makes clear the importance of this model within the range. If we look for this mix in Spain, last year 4,230 Sprinter units were sold compared to nearly 15,000 van units, which is slightly less than a third of the total, but it is still significant data.
In the development of the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, 2.5 billion euros have been invested, which is not little. Its manufacturing centers are located in Argentina, the US, Germany, China and Russia. And what does this highly acclaimed model have new, in addition to the obvious, which is the design? Well, a lot, to begin with, that now you can have front, rear or integral traction (before only the last two). The front-wheel drive version brings simplicity, lightness (50 kg less), a lower load level (8 cm) and a slightly lower price. It also loses some cargo capacity, but it will most likely be a very suitable option for a large part of the clientele.
Other information of interest about the new Mercedes-Benz Sprinter 2018:
– Three types of bodywork (Chassis, Tourer, Van/Mixed)
– Four body lengths
– Three levels of height
– Loading capacity of up to 5.5 Tm
– Load volume up to 17 m3
– Towing capacity of up to 3,500 kg
In the practicality section, it should be noted that the cargo area incorporates solutions focused on making the user’s life more comfortable. For example, the doors have a 270º opening system, which facilitates the access of the material; there are also LED lights to better illuminate the space; as we said before, lower the load plane (at least in the front-wheel drive versions) to make the task of loading easier; lastly, a new plastic floor helps to reduce the final weight.
Design and technology
Seen from the outside, this new industrial vehicle changes from the previous one due to its chrome grille, its bumpers (they can be painted in four different colors), its LED lighting system and its wheel designs in sizes up to 17 inches.
But it is, perhaps, the interior, the most innovative of the new Sprinter, which now offers a design with elements inherited from the brand’s passenger cars and with a technological endowment almost inappropriate for its segment. As standard, it includes: keyless start, electric steering, emergency braking, automatic lighting assistant, emergency call and Mercedes Pro.
If we look at the catalog of options we find systems as interesting as:
– electric parking brake
– multifunction steering wheel with touchpad
– wireless charging for smartphones
– MBUX infotainment system with 7 or 10.25-inch screens
– heated seats
– active lane change assistant
-active brake assist
– parking package with 360º camera and cross traffic alert function
– crosswind assistant
In the engine section, the options to choose from are a 4-cylinder engine with 2.2 liters of displacement, with three power levels (114, 143 and 163 CV) and a 3-liter V6 with 190 CV. All engines are compatible with manual or automatic gearbox. As for the automatic transmission, the new 9 G-Tronic arrives, but only for the front-wheel drive versions.
And for those who are thinking about ‘eco’ mobility, let them know that the Mercedes e-Sprinter, 100% electric and with a range of 150 kilometers, will hit the market at the end of 2019. Obviously, it does not intend to compete with a van capable of traveling long distances, its mission is to join the ‘last mile’ vehicle scene when cities extend the ban on combustion engines. He says, however, in Mercedes that autonomy will grow over time.
Now available, these are the PFF prices before taxes for the new generation of Mercedes-Benz Sprinter:
Chassis: 22,919 euros
Tourer: 29,927 euros
Van/Mixed: 23,532 euros
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